The Westin Turnberry Resort (Ailsa) *****

Maidens Road, Turnberry, KA26 9LT

Nearest main town: Girvan

 

Turnberry is arguably the most scenically stunning course on the Open Championship rota. The views across to the Isle of Arran and Mull of Kintyre are wondrous, and on a clear day you can sometimes see all the way to Ireland. And looming out of the mid-Atlantic swell is the sinister and primeval Ailsa Craig, a 1208-foot bulging hunk of rock, which lends its name to Turnberry's famous links.

The course, unusually for a links, is run entirely as a commercial operation. There are none of the Rottweiler secretaries you associate with the top private courses, so you should be able to play, although the waiting list is growing. Guests of the first-class hotel, which looms over the course, get preference, so if you really want to treat yourself, book in. If not, you'll just have to wait, but it's worth it.

Turnberry is maintained in absolutely stunning condition. The wartS­and-all nature of links golf doesn't seem to apply here, where the fairways rarely get dry and the greens are always holding. It would have been hard to imagine there could be a first-class links here in 1945 after the course had been used as an airstrip in the war, a transformation that destroyed many of its natural features. But, under the guidance of Mackenzie Ross, it was revived and stands as a monument to that architect's brilliance.

Turnberry is also blessed with a pleasant microclimate, the warm air of the Gulf Stream making for pleasant golfing conditions. There are all the perils you associate with Open courses, such as wiry rough, protected greens and sandhi lis, but it is not particularly wild and many of the tee shots are attractive from elevated tees to valley fairways. It truly is a very fair test of golf.

For many, the experience of playing Turnberry is purely to stand on the 9th tee, with the waves bludgeoning the rocky outcrop, with a drive across cliffs to a camber fairway marked by a stone cairn. But you wouldn't label it Turnberry's best hole. The 16th, a short par-4 called 'Wee Burn', could lay claim to that; so could any of the eight holes along the coast. The course truly will appeal to all and is the most accessible links for those who prefer the inland game.

 

Secretary: Mr P. Burley (Director of Golf)

Tel: 01655 334000  Fax: 01655 331069

Professional: Mr R. Hall                      

Tel: 01655 334062

Playing: Midweek: round £130.00 (Ailsa), £105.00 (Kintyre); day n/a. Weekend: round £175.00 (Ailsa), £105.00 (Kintyre); day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 am-10pm. Bar snacks.

Comments: An experience that will live in the memory forever. . . Just a wonderful place to play and forget about the world. . . Forget the cost, you must play it at least once. .. Not to be missed. .. Playing the final hole towards the hotel is just a bit special... Very beautiful... History, tradition and a superb hotel. .. Worth every penny.

 

Western Gailes Golf Club *****

Gailes, Irvine, KA 11 5AE

Nearest main town: Troon

 

Western Gailes is not the type of links where the scenery distracts you from your game, neither is there a great deal of variety. The attraction of Western Gailes lies in staying mentally strong enough to combat the ferocious winds that can pick up here. In fact, the second name of the club could not be more appropriate.

The course is completely exposed to the winds that race in from the south-west, much like neighboring Royal Troon. The winds that make the incoming holes at Troon such a contest are the same ones that will send your ball ballooning in the air from the 6th to the 13th at Western Gailes. It is here that you must protect your score before the comparatively easy finishing holes.

The unusual layout of the course, with the clubhouse set in the middle of a narrow piece of tortured, bumpy land, and the holes spreading out in both directions, is intriguing. With the toughest part of the course in the middle, you can completely lose your appetite for the game if things are going badly, and the sorry golfers trudging off the 18th are testament to that. The impression is further confirmed by looking at the faces of the members in the bar, carved completely by the strong winds, and more akin to North Sea shrimp fishermen than golfers.

One of the club's most distinguished members, Lord Brabazon, once said: 'If you have the time, play just three courses - Western Gailes, Prestwick and Turnberry. Advice to be taken with a pinch of salt, although you should play Western Gailes.

 

Secretary: Mr A. McBean             

Tel: 0141 354 0354 Fax: 0141 354 0355

Professional: None

Playing: Midweek: round £90.00 (including lunch); day n/a. Weekend: round £90.00 (Sunday afternoon only ­ no lunch included); day n/a. Prices may increase in 2004.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch and dinner from 11am-10pm.

Comments: Beautifully maintained and managed course. . . Excellent facilities...What a wonderful traditional course with a warm Scottish welcome... Warm and friendly clubhouse.